Have you wondered why your skin automatically becomes dark and pigmented after inflammation due to acne, pimples, or a specific skin condition such as dermatitis?
This condition when you get hyperpigmentation right after inflammation is called PIH or Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation.
In this blog post, let us look at the link between inflammation and hyperpigmentation and how it can be cured. So, keep reading!
Causes:
This post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation occurs because when your skin cells get damaged or irritated, your body tends to produce extra melanin or looks tanned. Usually, the color of this pigmentation in the skin may vary from dark brown to bluish grey patches or spots on the skin.
PIH may be due to one of the many causes, including,
- Acne
- Eczema
- Impetigo
- Bug bites
- Infections
- Burns
- Razor bumps
- Rashes
- Chemical peels
- Laser or radiation therapies
- Medical or cosmetic procedures
- Allergic reaction or
- Psoriasis.
Who does this happen to?
The Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation is gender neutral. It may occur to all genders and all ages. Although, it is common in people whose melanin count is already high.
Treatments that may be required
One thing to keep in mind here is that there is no quick fix for hyperpigmentation. You have to give it an ample amount of time before juggling between multiple treatments. Due to acne and rashes, some hyperpigmentation doesn't require any treatments if left without using harsh products. In most cases, these harsh products tend to increase the pigmentation instead of reducing it. So we suggest you visit a dermatologist who will suggest treatments like
- Skin lightening using lighteners like hydroquinone, azelaic acid, etc.
- Chemical peels that would help remove the extra melanin present in the skin.
- Or a combinational therapy including retinoids and steroids that help with skin cell turnover.
Tips for coping with it.
We get it! Living with hyperpigmentation skin is hard. It can adversely affect your self-esteem and cause stress, affecting your mental and physical health and lowering your confidence levels. But here are a few tips to cope with it:
- Identify your skin type and go for the right skin care products.
- Always buy gentle and chemical-free skincare and makeup products. Check out unsweetened beauty products for gentle and effective skincare products.
- Cover it up with a suitable shade of makeup on the required areas of hyperpigmentation.
- The sun is a big enemy of Hyperpigmentation. Therefore, always use sunscreen with at least an SPF 30 every day before sun exposure.
You can always check unsweetened beauty's website for more skin care tips.